I have to ask myself this question: Is there a price for the health and life of myself and my family that is too much?

This new way of eating is definitely a bit more expensive than I anticipated. But I do have to realize that right now I'm basically replacing everything in my kitchen pantry and fridge! I am hoping that once most of everything is replaced that the cost will slow down a bit. The herbs and spices should last a while, I've replaced my cooking spray to olive oil spray, switched to organic sugar (which I don't use that much), getting things like balsamic vinegar for recipes, etc. I think once I really get going on this it won't be quite as bad. It doesn't help that I've been doing alot of shopping at Earth Fare...I need to learn what I can get at Walmart and Kroger. The meat is the biggest issue for me. I really want to switch to locally grown, veggie fed meat. I'll have to do some research to find the best and most economical place for that...

But one way that is going to eventually cut down on cost is by planting a garden....which we are doing this weekend! I can't wait! I am also going to plant a container herb garden. If anyone can give me any pointers on growing veggies in our zone (zone 8), please let me know.

I'm still feeling really good. I'm not thinking about the "bad" foods nearly as much as I thought I would. I do have to say that the natural foods are more satisfying, so I'm not constantly looking for more. It's just a matter of training your taste buds to not expect that overly sweet taste of processed sugar and the high fructose corn syrup that seems to be in everything!

This lifestyle change has also really got me thinking about other things differently. I have always been a staunch conservative, capitolist Republican. After watching Food, inc I have to say that I can see the downfall of having big corporations controlling so much of what we consume. I truly believe most companies start with good intentions and the welfare of the customers in mind, but once greed kicks in.... things can go sour. I really want to start supporting local, small businesses...ones that you can actually meet and see the owners. Ones that have a vested interest in their own community...local butcher shops, farmers markets...you get the drift. At least as much as possible...we are definitely limited in what we can get locally around here. I also see the need to care for the environment more than I used to, just not for the same reasons maybe as most liberal environmentalists. We have been given earth (note I WILL NOT call it "Mother" Earth) to take care of by God, and I think we can do better at this job.


As Mike Huckabee says: "these are my thoughts and I welcome yours"...